Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Lin Ze presented at fifteen. Before he could even feel joy at presenting as an Alpha, he was first bewildered by the strange reactions of his own body. He didn't develop a territorial instinct, nor did he desire to mark an Omega. Instead, he felt a persistent ache at the nape of his neck.

His teacher noticed something was wrong and took him to the hospital. It was there that Lin Ze learned he was a rare case of Alpha-Omega duality.

Although he was an Alpha, he also possessed a concealed reproductive cavity in his abdomen.

Back then, Lin Ze wanted to have it removed. However, due to the high mortality risk, his teacher, acting as his guardian, refused to sign the consent form. Later, when he came of age, even more distressing events occurred, leaving him no time to dwell on his malformed body.

At twenty-seven, he had resigned himself to a solitary life. He never imagined that one day he would willingly accept an Alpha four years his junior.

Lin Ze clutched the pillow tightly, forced to watch as this Alpha, who had just turned twenty-four but was unnervingly mature both mentally and physically, pried him open...

A flush spread across his handsome face.

Lin Ze bit down on the back of his hand.

Inch by inch, it went deeper than what Lin Ze thought was his limit, continuing relentlessly until it halted before a long-sealed, forbidden place.

Only then did Lin Ze seem to realize the danger, pleading, "Xiujin, Xiujin..."

The Xiujin he called out to paid him no heed. With deeply furrowed brows fixed intently on him, the force was overwhelming.

Lin Ze's eyes rolled back.

He passed out and woke again. Outside, the sky had turned from day to night. His mind had grown sluggish, but this was only the beginning.

A tight knot locked deep within his reproductive cavity.

For a normal Alpha, knotting and insemination typically lasted only half an hour. But Lin Ze watched in agony as the sky slowly brightened again. He had reached his limit, feeling as if he were dying, yet there was no sign of release.

His belly swelled little by little.

So much...

What if, like a she-wolf, he gave birth to six pups...

How would he ever feed them all...

Before losing consciousness once more, Lin Ze was tormented by these humiliating thoughts.

Seeing Lin Ze pitifully passed out, and knowing that continuing might truly endanger his life, Li Xiujin reluctantly withdrew, his desire unfulfilled and suppressed.

He meticulously, reverently, licked the places he had treated so roughly. Then, with tenderness, he licked Lin Ze's cheeks, lips, damp eyelashes, and hair.

Just as he was preparing to take care of his own needs beside Lin Ze, his phone on the table buzzed with a vibration. He frowned, ignoring it, until it rang a second time.

Li Xiujin rose from the bed with a dark, menacing air, throwing on his clothes.

"General, Su Wang says he has some information regarding Colonel Lin that you might find interesting," Fu Zhi reported over the phone.

"He also said if you'd like to see it, you could have tea together."

Li Xiujin gave a cold laugh. "Agree to it."

*

The lump under the covers shifted. Lin Ze opened his eyes with difficulty. Propping himself up on his elbows, he slowly sat up. The quilt slid down, revealing skin covered in bite marks and fingerprints. His abdomen was still slightly swollen, as if already pregnant.

Lin Ze's ears and cheeks burned. He glanced around the room, finding himself alone.

Li Xiujin wasn't there.

A faint sense of loss suddenly welled up in his heart.

Quickly, Lin Ze comforted himself. Their marriage was originally for the purpose of having a child. Once the conditions of the agreement were fulfilled, it was normal for him to leave like this. And... Lin Ze let out a bitter laugh. Even if he stayed, Lin Ze wouldn't know how to face him.

Dragging his nearly numb lower half, Lin Ze took a shower. Just as he stepped out, his own phone rang.

Lin Ze had set a special emergency ringtone for Lu Mo. Unless it was a matter of utmost urgency, Lu Mo wouldn't contact him using this tone. Lin Ze answered immediately.

After the call, his expression changed. He hurried to the secret base.

"What's going on?"

Lu Mo said, "Ji Ran gave my contact information to his younger siblings. Yesterday, they called me saying Ji Ran hadn't come home for a day and a night."

"Where does the tracker show his location?"

To ensure Ji Ran's safety, Lu Mo had placed a tracker on him.

"The tracker has no signal. It was probably removed."

"Colonel, could Ji Ran be..." Lu Mo's expression darkened.

"Don't think like that. If Ji Ran were killed, the body would be left for us to find. He wouldn't just vanish into thin air like this," Lin Ze said, looking out the window.

"What should we do next?"

"First, take good care of Ji Ran's younger siblings," Lin Ze said calmly. "Then, monitor Su Jingyuan's movements. I'll also find an opportunity to make contact with him. Ji Ran's disappearance is most likely his doing."

"Understood, Colonel."

Ji Ran had been dragged into this because of them. No matter what, Lin Ze couldn't let anything happen to him.

He thought it would take some time to get any leads on Ji Ran. Unexpectedly, just as Lin Ze finished work, he received a message from Lu Mo.

-Colonel, Ji Ran's tracker suddenly activated this afternoon. The location shows the underground trading market in Country A.

The underground trading market.

This market was extremely popular seven years ago, selling many gray-market products not seen on the regular market. Sales were conducted through auctions. Even those without money to buy wanted to go just for the spectacle. After the incident involving Lin Ze, it was raided once and then declined. There hadn't been much news about it in recent years; he thought it had disappeared. He hadn't expected it to still be operating.

Lin Ze frowned, replying to Lu Mo.

-We'll go check it out tonight.

-Understood.

-But, what about your husband? Do we keep it from him or tell him the truth?

Lin Ze closed his eyes. He thought about it the entire way home, and by the time he stepped through the door, he had made a decision.

He couldn't hide this matter from Li Xiujin.

If Li Xiujin disagreed with him going, he would try his best to persuade him.

If he agreed, that would be even better.

Having already prepared his explanation, Lin Ze was surprised to receive a message from the man saying he would be home late.

Lin Ze called the man, and Fu Zhi picked up.

"Is he busy?"

"Yes, he's in a meeting."

"If there's anything, you can let me know."

"I have to go out tonight."

"Alright, I'll inform the General."

"Thanks."

"Of course. Is there anything else?"

"No, that's all."

Lin Ze hung up and stared blankly at his phone. He used to be busy too, but he'd never not taken his calls like this before...

He changed into casual clothes, tucked a pistol into his waistband, and met up with Lu Mo.

Entering the underground trading market required a pass, which Uncle Lin could get. On the way to Uncle Lin's place, Lu Mo asked:

"Does your husband know about this operation?"

Lin Ze knew he was asking whether Li Xiujin agreed. "He hasn't come home the last couple of days; he's probably really busy. I already called and told him."

"Mhm, it's best to let him know."

Lin Ze smiled helplessly and said nothing more.

Upon arrival, a ten-year-old child led them inside.

Uncle Lin put down the tools in his hands. "Is this Lu Mo?"

"Yes."

Uncle Lin patted Lu Mo's shoulder. "Look how you've grown!"

Lu Mo called him Uncle Lin.

"Uncle Lin, can you make it within half an hour? We need to get in before they seal it." Lin Ze asked.

"Are you underestimating me?" Uncle Lin huffed, pretending to be offended.

"Of course not."

Uncle Lin snorted and took them to his workshop. Based on the image Lin Ze provided, he began making an exact copy. While working, he didn't forget to chat. "I told you to live a peaceful life, but you wouldn't listen. You insist on investigating. What if you end up in danger too?"

Lu Mo glanced at Lin Ze, who remained silent.

He knew Uncle Lin was worried, but these things had to be done.

After giving them the pass, Uncle Lin sent Lu Mo away and quietly asked, "That husband of yours is only twenty-three or twenty-four, right? At that age, he's at his prime. Hurry up and have children—at least three. Then I can finally hear someone call me Grandpa..."

Lin Ze felt slightly embarrassed. "Uncle Lin."

"Am I wrong?"

Lin Ze didn't know how to refute him. "I'll come see you another day."

"Remember to bring your husband and children along!"

Lin Ze and Lu Mo rushed into the underground trading market just before it was sealed.

The underground market was rougher than The Scarlet's decor, or perhaps it had almost no decoration at all. It was simply a hidden, enclosed space where people from all walks of life gathered to trade.

Lin Ze's first visit here was for a mission. Back then, he had watched a boxing match—a fourteen-year-old boy, bruised and battered, standing in the ring against a much taller, muscular opponent.

A match with an obvious outcome, a one-sided beating.

At that time, Lin Ze was still somewhat naive and prone to meddling. He intervened to stop that match. Later, he tried to find the boy, wanting to know if he had been forced into it or was facing hardship, but he never found him.

"Colonel, the tracker is active again."

Lu Mo's words snapped Lin Ze out of his reverie.

"Ji Ran is definitely here." Lu Mo stated with certainty.

"Does it show the exact location?"

"No."

"Then let's split up and search." Lin Ze said.

"Alright."

After parting ways with Lu Mo, Lin Ze checked several likely hiding spots but found nothing. Just as he was pondering where else to look, a loudspeaker announcement echoed from all directions. A rough male voice notified, "The auction is about to begin. Please proceed to the central square."

"The auction is about to begin. Please proceed to the central square."

All the people wandering the market suddenly found a focal point, excitedly gathering toward the broadcast's location. Lin Ze thought for a moment and followed.

On the way, he encountered a man who was both within and beyond his expectations.

Su Jingyuan raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Hello, Colonel Lin."

Lin Ze nodded faintly. "Mr. Su."

"Thanks to your husband, the Su Group has gone bankrupt. I'm no longer Mr. Su, just an unemployed wanderer."

Lin Ze was slightly taken aback. He had thought Su could hold on longer, but it happened so quickly.

"This General Li is really something. We've known each other for years, and he didn't even inform me about his marriage. I prepared a big red envelope but never got the chance to give it to him." Su Jingyuan sighed, acting as if they were close. "But then again, he's been aloof and cold since childhood..."

Lin Ze interrupted. "Mr. Su, what do you want to say?"

"Look at me, once I start I can't stop. Please don't be angry. I don't mean to speak ill of him." Su Jingyuan said with a teasing smile.

Lin Ze replied coldly, "If there's nothing else, I'll be going."

"Don't rush, Colonel Lin. You're looking for someone, aren't you? Why not come with me to the auction? You might find them."

Lin Ze stopped and stared at him.

"After you. I can even tell you many unknown things about your husband." Su Jingyuan made a gentlemanly gesture.

Upon arriving at the auction venue, Su Jingyuan led Lin Ze to the VIP seats.

The auction began with some jewelry, which Lin Ze wasn't interested in, but Su Jingyuan kept raising his paddle and explained to Lin Ze, "My wife loves this kind of thing. I buy some to keep her happy. Does Li Xiujin ever buy things for you?"

Lin Ze remained silent.

"So he never has, huh? But don't be upset. Someone who has never experienced tenderness naturally wouldn't know how to care for others. He's actually a sad case. He used to come to this underground trading market frequently before he came of age, thrown into the ring by his father to be beaten up. How could his personality not become twisted after growing up like that?"

"He participated in fights here as a child?" Lin Ze suddenly asked.

"Yeah," Su Jingyuan raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me you've seen him before?"

Was that bruised and battered boy Li Xiujin?

Lin Ze's heart tightened slightly, feeling a bit suffocated. So they had met that early on.

"Alright, the jewelry auction is over. Now let's move on to tonight's main event," a host said excitedly into the mic, followed by cheers from the audience.

Lin Ze was snapped back to reality, finding it somewhat strange. Auctions typically featured expensive jewelry, and with that already sold, what could possibly excite the crowd so much?

He soon found out.

Two men in black brought a cage on stage, inside which was a person with snow-white skin, a beautiful face, and a graceful figure.

Su Jingyuan remarked quietly, "Colonel Lin, did you know? The thing on stage was modified based on a perfect specimen. It can be played with as an alpha or as an omega."

Lin Ze abruptly stood up, glaring coldly down at Su Jingyuan.

For a moment, that look reminded Su Jingyuan of Li Xiujin.

Su Jingyuan smiled. "What's wrong, Colonel Lin? These people have all signed voluntary agreements."

A cold gun barrel pressed against his neck. "Where is Ji Ran?"

Su Jingyuan raised his hands in surrender. "Don't be angry, Colonel Lin."

When they got backstage, Lu Mo's text also came through.

- Colonel, we've found Ji Ran.

After glancing at it, Lin Ze ordered Su Jingyuan.

"Get up, come with me."

Su Jingyuan compliantly stood up, and the two of them quickly left the auction area, making their way to a storage warehouse in the underground trading market. The ones on the auction stage were carefully selected A-O people, while the less perfect ones were temporarily stored in the warehouse, waiting for buyers to pick them out after the auction ended.

This was the latest information Lu Mo had sent him.

As they neared the location, three or four bodyguards blocked Lin Ze's path.

Su Jingyuan said casually, "It's fine, no need to worry. Colonel Lin and I are just fooling around."

However, the bodyguards charged forward. Dragging Su Jingyuan along, Lin Ze agilely kicked two bodyguards to the ground and finally stepped on the stomach of the remaining one.

"Impressive. No wonder you made colonel so quickly in the military," Su Jingyuan remarked appreciatively.

After two or three fell, a large group rushed over. Seeing this, Lin Ze realized that if he didn't release Su Jingyuan, these bodyguards would never stop. So, he shoved Su Jingyuan forward forcefully and immediately slipped away.

"Mr. Su, should we chase him?" a bodyguard asked, watching Lin Ze's retreating figure.

"If we keep chasing, Li Xiujin won't let me off. Let him go. There's someone tougher waiting for him down the line anyway," Su Jingyuan said, dropping his playful demeanor and speaking coldly. "I hope my elder brother can stall Li Xiujin for a while."

When Lin Ze saw the bodyguards weren't chasing him, he felt a surge of unease instead. Kidnapping Ji Ran and exposing his location—it was clearly a deliberate lure. Now that he was about to rescue Ji Ran, why weren't they stopping him?

Lin Ze temporarily suppressed his speculations and quickly reached the exact location Lu Mo had sent.

Inside a large warehouse were many partitioned cubicles. Lin Ze found them in the innermost one.

Ji Ran's hands were tied, and a cloth was stuffed in his mouth, muffling his speech. Lin Ze pulled the cloth from his mouth. "Are you hurt?"

Ji Ran weakly moved his jaw and shook his head.

"Did they perform any surgery on you?" Lin Ze asked again.

"No." So Ji Ran hadn't been modified. Lin Ze felt slightly relieved and helped untie the ropes around his wrists. After freeing him, he noticed a string of English letters branded on his wrist, which translated to a foreigner's name.

"This was pressed onto me this morning. They said someone would come to pick me up later."

Based on what Su Jingyuan said, Ji Ran had most likely already been sold.

If he had already been sold, then Ji Ran being taken away would no longer be Su Jingyuan's concern but the employer's. No wonder... Lin Ze suddenly understood, not daring to waste any more time. He told Ji Ran and Lu Mo to follow him, leading the way cautiously with his pistol, planning to leave through the warehouse's back door.

Ji Ran said with lingering fear, "Before, when you said you'd ensure my safety no matter what, I didn't really believe it. But, Colonel Lin, Lu Xiaomo, you're truly righteous. I was prepared to die, but I never expected you'd actually come to rescue me." As he spoke, Ji Ran choked up.

"Save the tears for when we get out safely," Lu Mo said helplessly.

"What happened before you went missing?" Lin Ze asked when he had a moment.

Ji Ran nodded. "I was trying to eavesdrop, hoping to gather useful information, but someone attacked me from behind. When I woke up, I was locked up here. My gun and phone are gone."

"I told you to be careful," Lu Mo frowned. "It's lucky nothing happened to you. What if something really bad had occurred?"

"Lu Mo is right. You still have younger siblings. Next time, don't act rashly..." Lin Ze opened the back door, and his words cut off abruptly.

Outside stood dozens of armed, burly blond men, led by a foreign man with a terrifying scar on his face, a large, intimidating build, and a frightening appearance.

The leader said something in a foreign language, and the person beside him translated for Lin Ze, "Hello, sir. The man behind you was purchased by Mr. Tanner this morning at a high price."

Tanner.

That was the name branded on Ji Ran's wrist.

"I won't hand him over. Whatever amount you paid, I can repay you," Lin Ze said calmly.

"Mr. Tanner says he doesn't want money. He wants the person."

A standoff ensued.

Lu Mo quickly looked up information and reported to Lin Ze in a low voice, "Colonel, we're in big trouble. This Tanner is the leader of the Black Summit, controlling a vast number of illegal industries through underhanded dealings. His methods are brutal... We might not make it out today."

Lin Ze didn't speak, his expression slightly grave.

Lu Mo said with a bitter smile to Ji Ran, "I never realized you were this charming."

Tanner's cold blue eyes fixed on Lin Ze as he spoke a long paragraph.

"I'm here to relax, and I don't want my mood ruined. Hand over the person, and the two of you can stay."

"Maybe let him take me first, and you can find a way to rescue me later," Ji Ran suggested guiltily.

But Lin Ze shook his head. Being taken away by someone like this could very likely cost him his life. Lin Ze cocked the pistol, contemplating their chances of survival if they fought their way out.

Then the other man said, "You care about him so much. If he doesn't go, then you stay."

Lin Ze's eyes narrowed slightly. "Deal."

"Colonel, no!" Lu Mo cried out in alarm.

"Colonel Lin..." Ji Ran hadn't expected Lin Ze to do this. He almost instantly understood why Lu Mo was so loyal to him, why so many people had admired him back in the day.

Lin Ze shoved his gun into Ji Ran's hand. "Take this. You two leave together."

"Colonel!" Lu Mo gritted his teeth.

"Obey the order."

"I agree," Lin Ze raised his voice, "but you must let me see them leave safely."

Tanner shrugged and said coldly, "Of course."

After watching Lu Mo and Ji Ran being escorted out of the underground market, Lin Ze raised his wrists. Once bound, he was taken to a pitch-black little room. After confirming they were gone, Lin Ze pulled out the dagger hidden on the inside of his thigh...

Meanwhile, once they were safely outside, Lu Mo quickly hailed a taxi.

Ji Ran asked, "Where are we going now?"

"To find Li Xiujin."

*

The car drove through the streets, where many more homeless people now huddled in the corners.

The driver turned on the news radio.

"It is reported that resources are becoming increasingly scarce. The Regeneration Plan, suspended seven years ago, may be restarted..."

Li Xiujin listened intently with his eyes closed.

Half an hour later, he arrived at a tea house.

Su Wang's subordinate showed him the way.

The scent of tea hung in the air. Su Wang unhurriedly poured freshly brewed tea and pushed the cup toward him.

Li Xiujin gave a cold laugh. "Commander Su, did you ask me here just for tea?"

"Of course not." Su Wang called a servant over. "Bring the documents."

Soon, a file sealed away for many years was placed before Li Xiujin. He flicked it open with a long finger.

What met his eyes was a photo of Lin Ze at fifteen, more youthful and naive than now, a faint hint of a smile in his eyes.

The content below, however, was grim.

Due to his unique physique, he had been locked in a lab and experimented on for an entire year.

Then came numerous photos of experiments being performed on him.

Li Xiujin's face darkened.

"Later, nothing conclusive was found, and he was released... You must have investigated this too, but it's a military secret. Very few know about it."

"Oh? Something so important. Why are you revealing it to me?" Li Xiujin lit a cigarette, staring at him with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"By way of apology. My younger brother was foolish and provoked you. That's one reason. The other is to win you over. Your father and mine were good friends for many years, yet our relationship is awkward. When you think about it, why should it be..."

After listening, Li Xiujin pondered seriously for a few minutes, as if he thought it was a good idea. "Of course, that's possible."

Su Wang was overjoyed.

Previously, he had been indifferent toward Li Xiujin, but he hadn't expected the young man to become so unhinged later, participating in numerous border campaigns, rising to the rank of general in just three years. After retiring from the military, through some unknown means, he became the head of the Li family, turning into a very troublesome, difficult-to-deal-with, even intimidating figure.

If he could win him over, his own political path would become much smoother.

However, Li Xiujin continued, "Then, Commander Su, first disclose all the details of the Regeneration Plan from seven years ago."

Su Wang's expression changed.

"That... I'm not clear about that."

Li Xiujin nodded.

"If it has nothing to do with you, all the better. If it does, you'd better hide your tracks well. Don't let me find out."

Having said that, Li Xiujin stared coldly at him.

Su Wang broke out in a cold sweat.

After getting into the car, Li Xiujin simply ordered, "Drive," and began flipping through the documents again.

Stripped of all rights and treated as an experimental subject... Why didn't his guardian, Lin Zheng, stop it? Was he coerced? Was it related to the deaths in the Regeneration Plan seven years ago?

The car suddenly stopped. Li Xiujin's expression was icy. "What happened?"

The driver said, "Two people are blocking the road ahead."

"Drive through them."

"Yes."

But soon, the rear window was slapped frantically. Li Xiujin saw a familiar face.

Li Xiujin rolled down the window.

Lu Mo shouted anxiously, "The Colonel... the Colonel is in trouble!"

*

After using the dagger to cut through the ropes, Lin Ze deliberately created noise to attract his guards.

As soon as the two bodyguards opened the door, Lin Ze struck swiftly, knocking them out. After looking around, he lowered his head and hurried to escape. However, other bodyguards soon discovered their unconscious colleagues, and a large group began to pursue and block him.

Lin Ze was grateful they were indoors, with plenty of cover for hiding, allowing him to play a game of cat and mouse with the bodyguards... But soon, Tanner dispatched more men. With nowhere left to hide, Lin Ze was forced into a corner and brought before Tanner once more.

Tanner: "You dare to fucking run!"

"Bring me my knife!"

At the same time, dozens of black cars parked outside the underground market. Armed guards got out and quickly surrounded the entire place. The sealed door was kicked open, and the remaining guards poured in. After a gunshot rang out, everyone instantly dropped to the ground, covering their heads.

Li Xiujin's face was like that of an asura, his sinister gaze sweeping the surroundings.

Su Jingyuan, who hadn't managed to leave yet, was brought before him. Li Xiujin kicked him several meters away, grabbed him by the collar, and pressed the gun barrel against his forehead.

"Where is he?!"

Cold sweat the size of peas rolled down his cheeks as Su Jingyuan forced an ingratiating smile. "I don't know! I swear! I just came here to buy jewelry..."

Li Xiujin pulled the trigger.

This madman was going to kill him!

Su Jingyuan frantically begged for mercy:

"I'll talk, I'll talk..."

At the same time, someone rushed over to report: "General, we've found him!"

Outside the warehouse, Tanner, who had intended to make Lin Ze suffer, had a subordinate wrench Lin Ze's head back. He lightly traced the dagger across his upturned cheek: "What a pretty face..."

A subordinate rushed over and whispered something in his ear, and his expression changed slightly.

The next second, a gunshot rang out, and the arm gripping Lin Ze's hair was blown apart in a shower of gore.

Reacting swiftly, Tanner tried to use Lin Ze as a hostage, but two bullets struck his legs directly, sending him crashing to his knees.

Then he saw the tall, menacing man who had fired at him stride over, gathering the young man he had nearly tortured to death tightly into his arms...

The incident brought the military down on them. After Tanner's men were subdued, the military launched a new crackdown on the underground trading market.

In the warehouse lounge, Li Xiujin's expression was thunderous as he wordlessly tilted Lin Ze's face from side to side, then proceeded to examine his body.

Lin Ze hadn't expected Li Xiujin to show up. Recalling the look on his face when he had gathered him tightly into his arms, his heart tightened slightly.

He whispered, "Xiu Jin, I'm not hurt..."

The tension left Li Xiujin's body. He buried his face in Lin Ze's shoulder, inhaling deeply, then gripped his chin. "You'd better think real hard about how to explain what happened tonight. Otherwise, once we're in bed..."

Li Xiujin seized his lips, sucking on them with dark intent:

"Even if you pass out, I won't let you off."

Author's Note:

Red envelopes will be randomly dropped in the comment section.